Capitola police to focus on motorcycle safety enforcement

CAPITOLA -- As the first month of 2014 comes to an end, Capitola police officers are stepping up their enforcement to ensure safety for motorcyclists.

The enforcement is part of a larger road safety campaign funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety given to Capitola Police Department.

There were several campaigns since the summer focusing on areas such as speeding, drunken driving and other traffic violations. This latest campaign, set to last through the end of February, focuses on the safety of motorcyclists on the road.

"It's putting awareness in the officers saying, 'Hey motorcycle collisions happen,'" Capitola Sgt. Andrew Dally said. "Keeping it fresh in their mind so that they go out and have more of an awareness."

It isn't to target motorcyclists but rather to remind motorcyclists and drivers to slow down and be aware of each other. Extra officers will focus on distracted drivers and motorcyclists as part of a larger effort to reduce accidents, Dally said.

"The whole goal is trying to make sure people are abiding by the rules of the road to prevent collisions," he said.

Officers will be concentrated in Capitola but officers will also be sent to other areas of the county for enforcement, Dally said.

Though the operation is geared toward lowering deaths and injuries among motorcyclists, officers at the designated points will look for drivers and riders making traffic violations.

The preliminary cause of motorcycle crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment from alcohol or other drugs, according to data from the Office of Traffic Safety.

It's also an opportunity to dispel some misconceptions about what motorcyclists can do on the road.

A common question is whether motorcyclists can lane split, or ride between lanes, Dally said.

"If the traffic is backed up and gridlocked, they can go between the cars and actually split lanes," Dally said. "That's actually legal."

WHAT: Capitola police will patrol areas frequented by motorcyclists to look for violations that can lead to motorcycle crashes.WHEN: Throughout January and FebruaryWHY: To prevent motorcycle accidents and collisions, which is part of a larger campaign focused on traffic safety.